Stuff I Like
This page is dedicated to folks in and around Nanaimo or coastal BC that make me smile, folks that make my heart skip a beat, folks that make me ponder. Some of these folks are ol’ friends, or colleagues and some may be new smiles recently invited into my life. Hope you enjoy window shopping for stuff I like! If you know of folks I ought to be checking out, let me know! I’ll be adding ‘stuff’ regularly! xoxo Joëlle
MUSIC …
Piano Heist with Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin I am the proud mom of Nico who created this fun-filled show. Nico and Patrick deliver two hours of non-stop joy that include some breathtaking piano performances; some delicious deliveries of classical, jazz, blues, R&B and rock; some suspense and betrayal, and good balance of silly antics. These two longtime friends (since Kindergarten!) will have you smiling and singing along regardless of your age or musical taste! Touring Canada and the western USA in 2024 and 2025. YouTube trailer
Rick Scott and Nico Rhodes Roots & Grooves Music and love just don’t get any better with these Nanaimo souls
The Big Mess Love love love their endless musical energy and fun-ness (yes that’s a new word!) Joy-Giving Nanaimo folk!
Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra Lush, Lavish Sounds. Take your Seat!
Jona Kristinsson What a voice! She’s the real goods – Nanaimo’s Queen of Soul
James McRae A wonderfully talented drummer, composer and teacher. His jazz tribute to Gordon Lightfoot “Impressions of Lightfoot” is a must-see!
VIRTUAL THEATRE…
Off the Beaten Path the Musical A multi-platform Choose Your Own Adventure style fantasy musical that takes you into an ever expanding universe of Love, Adventure and Loss. This is so creative, I can only say check it out whether you’re a Fantasy Gamer or Not! The creators are pure genius.
LIVE THEATRE…
TheatreOne I was one of the first actors contracted in the inaugural season of Nanaimo’s only professional theatre company, then named ShakespearePlus back in 1984. I hold fond memories of performing in Cabaret, Irma la Douce, Goodnight Disgrace, Taming of the Shrew and years later, Hot Flashes and Marion Bridge plus several appearances in their Emerging Voices new play readings. This theatre company holds a special place in my heart.
ART…
Joel Prévost ‘Sculpture Extraordinaire’ This Nanaimo artist’s polymorphic representations of the human body in clay are a feast for the eyes. I have had the honour of watching his journey for the past 25 years.
Gino Seward I love the work of this Coast Salish-Kwakwaka’wakw carver.
Gerda Hofman If her stunning paintings and sketches don’t get you, her delightful accent and loving heart will!
Aay Aay Creations My friend Aay Aay. A Haida weaver, jewelry creator, oral historian. Simply brilliant.
Licorice and Lily An incredibly talented singer, dancer, actor and now textile weaver. This woman is so creative. I love her colours and workmanship.
Noel Brown Snuneymuxw carver Noel Brown works in a variety of mediums – silver, gold, platinum jewelry. Red and yellow cedar totem poles, plaques, masks and ornaments. When in Nanaimo, check out his latest creation: the Welcome Pole at Maffeo Sutton Park.
EATS…
The Modern Café A Nanaimo gem for fine service and fine eats.
Pho V Tah My favorite people serving up consistently delicious Vietnamese food in Nanaimo.
Jalapenos A family owned and operated Mexican restaurant: authentic, friendly and affordable. And oh the flavours!
TRAVEL…
Momenti Travel For meticulously curated travel experiences worldwide.
SHOP…
CurVa Voom Jona’s Fabulous Store in Nanaimo. Great taste.
Zircus Al is a musician, percussionist, all around wonderful person and they have created an online, ethnically made, queer underwear business in Nanaimo.
Westholme Tea Farm Duncan Ooh the variety of flavours in this quaint tea house and gallery.
Ay Lelum A second generation Coast Salish Design House. Authentic voices, art and clothing that inspire, teach and share history, design and culture.
MY HAND IN YOUR HAND IN OUR HAND…
Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank Sharing Goodness in Nanaimo.
Whelm King Death Coach. Grief Counsellor. Yes, sometimes you just gotta talk about this stuff to people to whom you can trust your heart.
Nanaimo Directory of Amazing Local Friends My dear friend Marisha, aka kick-ass bassist and vocalist and gardener has created a wonderful site for all local makers, artists, businesses etc.